International Migrants Day 2018

Migration with Dignity

by Jamie Cross

Migration with Dignity is the theme of 2018’s International Migrants Day which is observed annually on December 18.

With the number of international migrants continuing to rise, today is a time to remember and renew commitment to the rights and needs of migrants around the world. Today, there are around 244 million international migrants around the world, with one out of every 10 under the age of 15.

Millions of people are on the move in search of safety, work and education. Some are fleeing war and persecution or escaping the cycle of poverty or environmental degradation. The decision to leave is too often the start of a dangerous journey as many migrants face a tumultuous road filled with extreme insecurity. During this time, these vulnerable populations face serious health and safety risks and are in need of humanitarian support.

Throughout 2018, GlobalMedic has worked to support migrants around the world.

GlobalMedic has been sending aid to support Syrians since 2014 and has continued to do so this this year, with distributions of emergency food, water purification solutions and hygiene items.

GlobalMedic has also supported Yemeni people this year with Family Emergency Kits that contain Rainfresh Water Purification Units that provide access to clean drinking water, as well as hygiene items.

Over 1 million Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar and are now living in Bangladesh. The strain on the existing infrastructure has been massive and many are living without basic necessities. In order to help address the needs of Rohingya refugees, GlobalMedic worked to provide a community shelter solution and Family Emergency Kits in Cox’s Bazar.

Millions of Venezuelans have left for neighbouring countries in the last few years due to the worst economic crisis in the country’s history. Many of these people are migrating through Ecuador on their way to a final destination. GlobalMedic responded by providing families moving through this route with urgently needed hygiene supplies that they were unable to transport with them as they fled.

Here in Canada, GlobalMedic has distributed hygiene kits to support newcomers and was able to direct medicine to the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare and the Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health.

As we move into 2019, GlobalMedic will continue to work at meeting the needs of migrants globally with the dignity they deserve.